Consultant to prepare a Study on the Impact of Cash Assistance and Care Services on Older Persons in Palestine.
Organizational Context
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is seeking a consultant to assess cash assistance and care services for older persons in Palestine. This study will inform policy improvements by the Ministry of Social Development in both the West Bank and Gaza, addressing the vulnerabilities faced by this demographic due to ongoing challenges.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive study assessing the effectiveness, adequacy, accessibility, and responsiveness of cash assistance and care services for older persons in Palestine (West Bank and Gaza). The findings will generate crucial evidence to inform and guide future reforms and improvements in social protection policies and programs. This role directly contributes to enhancing the well-being and dignity of older persons by ensuring that social protection interventions effectively meet their multidimensional needs, addressing gaps in service delivery and institutional coordination within the Palestinian context.
Responsibilities
The consultant will prepare an inception report detailing the study's methodology, work plan, and analytical framework. Responsibilities include conducting a comprehensive desk review of relevant literature and policy documents, and providing an overview of the demographic and socio-economic situation of older persons in Palestine. The consultant will design and execute quantitative and qualitative data collection, including surveys and interviews, and analyze findings to assess service effectiveness, adequacy, accessibility, and responsiveness. Key duties involve identifying policy and operational gaps, drafting the study report, revising it based on feedback, and presenting findings and recommendations. Close coordination with ESCWA and the Ministry of Social Development is essential throughout the process, ensuring adherence to ethical research standards and data protection.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of professional work experience in Social Policy, Public Policy, Development Studies, Sociology, Economics, Public Health, Statistics, Social Work, or a related discipline is required. Experience working with national ministries, UN agencies, or international organizations is desirable. Prior knowledge of the Palestinian social protection system or previous work in Palestine is highly desirable.
Skills
Strong analytical and research skills. Demonstrated experience analyzing quantitative and qualitative datasets. Excellent report-writing skills. Ability to synthesize complex findings into concrete policy recommendations. Fluency in Arabic. Experience with national ministries, UN agencies, or international organizations is desirable.